christmas Archives - Frontpageng

As Christians across the world mark Christmas Day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, former Vice President of Nigeria and Waziri Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and love as enduring foundations for national healing and progress.

In a Christmas message issued by his Media Office in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku extended heartfelt felicitations to Nigerians, particularly the Christian faithful, urging the nation to reflect deeply on the true meaning of the season.

“I extend my warm Christmas greetings to Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ,” he said.

He noted that Christmas is a solemn reminder of the virtues of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and compassion—values that Nigeria urgently needs at this moment in its history.

“Christmas calls us to rise above division and embrace one another in love. It is a season that invites us to heal old wounds, to forgive, and to recommit ourselves to the unity and common destiny of our nation,” the former vice president stated.

Atiku urged Nigerians to use the season not merely for celebration, but for quiet reflection and prayer—seeking divine guidance for peace, justice, and renewed hope for the country.

He further called on citizens to rededicate themselves to faith in God and to translate the spirit of love and generosity associated with Christmas into everyday conduct, especially in relations with neighbours and communities.

Looking ahead to the coming year, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain encouraged Nigerians not to relent in prayer for the restoration of peace, stability, and inclusive development across the country.

“As we celebrate this sacred season, let us extend hands of fellowship to one another and live as one people, regardless of our differences. Let us trust God for a better tomorrow and work, in unity and conscience, for a greater Nigeria,” he added.

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Christmas: I’m committed to ensuring religious freedom –Tinubu

Ezekiel Johnson — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:11:03 +0000

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has re-emphasised his commitment to ensuring religious freedom in Nigeria and protect the people from different faiths from violence.

The president gave the assurance on Wednesday in a Christmas message.

He said all Nigerians had the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.

“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country,” he said.

He urged as the world celebrated the birth of Jesus, there was the need to reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, had made and continue to make toward the progress of Nigeria.

The message which he signed reads in full:

My Fellow Nigerians,

As we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.

Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.

On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.

As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.

The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society. We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.

For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.

Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.

That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.

No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.

Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity. We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.

I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.

With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria–one that future generations will be proud of.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.

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Christmas is here, but…, By Bola Bolawole

frontpageng — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:53:37 +0000

Christmas is here, but there is no “feferity” that usually heralds its coming. New Year itself is around the corner but there are no signs amongst the people. From 2023, only the super rich celebrate here. The middle class has all but been wiped off, such that it is either you are rich or you are poor. I used to be a proud member of the upper middle class, but now I am counted among the poor, barely managing to keep my head about water.

We the poor have to do something about the rich sooner than later. We have to make up our mind what to do and how to do it. It is no longer a case of if but when; and not of whether but how. And the earlier the better! If anyone counts this as an incitement, so be it! The time has come when we the poor must incite ourselves! If you are poor and no one incites you to action, incite yourself! Such is the time that we are in, in Nigeria of today.

Christmas is here, but no shopping is going on! Can anyone shop with empty pockets? No buying of new clothes. No purchasing of new shoes. No stocking of the home with essential commodities. No plan for holidays or travels. Insecurity apart, transportation costs, prohibitive these days, will balloon still. Need we mention the skyrocketing cost of foodstuffs?

New Year is knocking on the door, pushing Christmas to quickly make its exit for 2026 to pop in. No chicken is tied down somewhere. In the good old days, children would be busy feeding cockerels being fattened for slaughter. Boys would be leading the “meee” to green fields to keep it robust for the D-Day. Even frozen fish is king these days. Depending on its size, an egg costs between N200 and N300, which not many households can again afford. These days, a balanced diet is the luxury of the rich. The poor eat whatever they find – where at all they find it. Many go without food for days.

Yet the super rich live life to the hilt – and before our very eyes! It is not as if we are lazy and they are hard-working. It is simply a function of their station and status in life. Charged with the responsibility of ministering to the needs of the people, they minister only to themselves to the neglect of their basic responsibility – we, the people!

Our leaders behave like the proverbial Yoruba “a-nikan-j’opon”. Not only do they take their fill, they take it all, without giving a hoot if everyone else goes to bed with an empty stomach. The Yoruba have a proverb for such leaders; they are called “Bamu-bamu ni mo yo; mi o mo boya ebi n pa omo enikankan!” Once they are okay, that is all that matters to them. They take what they need and what they do not need – even if they and their generations live for a thousand years.

A sadder aspect is that much of what these gluttons and selfish elements hoard, denying the needy the use of it, they eventually waste. How many stories of cash, even in foreign currencies, that end up being eaten by termites, have we not heard? Only a few days ago, I heard one of such stories of a two-time military-cum-civilian governor in one of the South-west states who buried dollars underground and termites invaded and ate up everything!

Money that should have gone into development purposes are tied down by senseless leaders who abuse the confidence entrusted in them by the people. And the late South African reggae musician, Lucky Dube, comes to mind here. In “The hand that giveth”, Dube asked the following pertinent questions: “Are you feeling happy/When you see another man with no food/Does it make you feel great/Maybe to see another man without a thing/ You read about it in the Bible/But didn’t understand it/Blessed is the hand that giveth/Than the one that taketh”

Yes, our leaders read it in the Bible, and even in the Quran! They understand it, but do not give a hoot. Even those who preach it, who live by the word they preach in the Bible and Quran, also do not give a hoot. Many are who steal in the name of God these days, like Max Romeo crooned.

It is not only politicians who steal, even those who profess to preach the word of God and lead/feed His flock are not spared.

Romeo lampoons them this way: “Stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing/Stealing in the name of the Lord/My father’s house of worship/Has become a den of thieves/Stealing in the name of the Lord/They fed our mothers with sour grapes/And set our teeth on edge/Stealing in the name of the Lord/Strike the hammer of justice/And set my people free/Strike the hammer of justice/Or let my people be/They tell us of a heaven/Where milk and honey flows/Stealing in the name of the Lord

“They say this place called heaven/No rich man can go/Stealing in the name of the Lord/Yet the reverend drives out fancy car/Buys everything tax-free/The people have to sacrifice/To give in charity/My father’s house of worship/Has become a den of thieves/Stealing in the name of the Lord/Stealing, stealing, stealing/Stealing, stealing/Stealing in the name of the Lord/Stealing, stealing, stealing/Stealing, oh stealing/Stealing in the name of the Lord/Oh stealing, stealing/Stealing in the name of the Lord.”

Why there is grinding and multidimensional poverty in the land is because of the mindless corruption and stealing that has ravaged, and still ravages, the land. It is not only politicians who steal, even those who profess to preach the word of God and lead/feed His flock are not spared. So-called prophets who stalk politicians! Birds of a feather! Prophecies for sale! Visions for the highest bidder! Worse than those days when the Catholic Church commercialised salvation by selling indulgences to those who would make heaven! But we must have a rethink!

Decades of pillaging of the national coffers have left a gaping hole that will take more decades to fill. Yet, rather than for the task of national redemption to have started in earnest, the rot continues undeterred. Government policies and measures continue to deepen the misery of the people. The rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Money saved from subsidy removal and turned over to the three tiers of government have not percolated to the grassroots. We hear, and read, of the quantum of money shared by the three tiers of government on a monthly basis; yet, we cannot see or say where it goeth.

Government’s subsidy alleviation alleviates nothing. The “improvements” in the parlous state of the economy inherited from the ruinous Muhammadu Buhari administration are more of government statistics that do not reflect substantially in the poor’s living conditions. But things cannot continue this way! If I cannot speak for anyone else, I can speak for myself: My patience with the government is running thin.

We must remake this country! And we must start to do so in earnest. Jimmy Cliff’s “Remake the world” spoke to the urgency of the need to quickly remake Nigeria: “Too many people are suffering/Too many people are sad/Too little people got everything/While too many people got nothing/Remake the world/With love and happiness/Remake the world/Put your conscience in the test/Remake the world/North, south, east and west/Remake the world/Gotta prove that (you) are the best, yeah.”

“Too many people are suffering/Too many people are sad/Too little people got everything/While too many people got nothing/Remake the world/Come (put) on human dignity/Remake the world/Wipe (out) strife and poverty/Remake the world/Get racism from your sight/Remake the world/Be you black, be you white, yeah/Too many people are suffering/Too many people are sad/Too little people got everything/While too many people got nothing/Remake the world/With love and happiness/Remake the world/People, put your conscience to the test/Remake the world…”

The task is more urgent now than ever before. Time is running out. The political elite must understand that they have everything to lose if they allow the poor themselves to seize the initiative. And I see that happening sooner than later. Our leaders cannot continue to ask us to tighten our belts while they loosen theirs. They cannot demand more sacrifice from us when we see them live life to the hilt.

Christmas is here – what do our leaders do for the poor? Are the rich the only ones – and their families – that must celebrate? We the poor also have a right to celebrate in our own little corners. New Year beckons and it is not only the privileged few that must enter it with singing and dancing. We the poor also want to enter the new year with rejoicing and some “feferity.” They deny us this at their collective peril!

Says Jean Jacques Rousseau (in “The Social Contract”): “The strongest is never strong enough to always be the master unless he transforms strength into right, and obedience into duty.” If anyone thinks the suffering poor will be held down forever, they make a mistake! We the poor shall soon stir, and when we do, we shall smatch our chains! And like Karl Marx posits (in “The Communist Manifesto”), the poor have nothing to lose but their chains!

*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of the Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the “ON THE LORD’S DAY” column in the Sunday Tribune and “TREASURES” column in the New Telegraph newspapers. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

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Salt for the soup: Rethinking Christmas, politics and Christian responsibilities

frontpageng — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 06:47:19 +0000

By OLALERE FAGBOLA

Christmas is more than carols, candles, and tradition. It is God stepping into human reality — and a call for believers to step into the world with purpose. Have we, in modern Christianity, forgotten this?

Every December, Christians gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet, in our festivities, we often chase shadows — missing the powerful substance behind the season. The early Greek Christians understood the Incarnation as God embracing human realities, yet modern Christianity sometimes behaves as though spirituality must remain detached from social and political life.

In today’s Church, oversaturated with a sugary prosperity gospel, many believers shy away from politics.

“Let politicians handle politics,” some say.

“After all, politics is too dirty.”

This faulty thinking has deep roots.

“Salt is not made for the salt-bowl, but for the soup.” — Rev. Ade Adegbola

In the 1960s, Reverend Ade Adegbola wrote a piercing Christmas meditation titled, “Salt Is for the Soup.” His argument remains prophetic:

The Word becoming flesh is not the Christian tragedy.

The real tragedy is the salt losing its savour.

Christians have become salt that refuses to enter the soup.

Salt that refuses to influence governance, policy, leadership, nationhood.

Adegbola’s question echoes with urgency: “After what God has done at Christmas, has any Christian the right to doubt that our faith concerns political questions, culture, and economic development?”

God entered flesh — yet believers hesitate to enter public life.

Christmas was born in a world charged with political energy and prophetic expectation.

“Behold, a King shall reign in righteousness.” (Isaiah)

“Why do the nations rage?” (Psalm 2 — the Psalm appointed for Christmas)

Isaiah 11, Psalm 72, and Isaiah 61 all reveal the Messiah as a ruler with national implications.

The title Messiah itself is political.

No wonder, then, that the mission of NACLFON resonates deeply with the season. At a leadership meeting, the National President, Professor Peter Abraham, spoke with clarity: “This is God’s assignment. This is not a formation; it is a divine instruction.”

A respected Archbishop, Venerable Godson reinforced this with Bishop Benson Idahosa’s timeless line: “If your faith says Yes, God cannot say No.”

The Order Of Divine Faith (Psalm 32:8)

I will instruct thee

I will teach thee

I will guide thee

God instructs before He explains.

Faith obeys before it understands.

Too often, Christians slip—silently and unknowingly—from faith into divination:

“Lord, show me first, then I will obey.”

Faith says:

“Believing is seeing.”

Faithlessness says:

“Seeing is believing.”

At critical moments like this, when Nigeria faces both internal and external enemies, the nation needs Christian leaders like Joseph and Daniel—leaders whose intelligence is matched with divine discernment.

We must stop celebrating a shallow Christmas—one devoid of responsibility.

We have presented Christianity “in tablet form”:

Prosperity without principles.

Blessings without nation-building.

Heaven-focused theology with slum-neglecting attitudes.

This is not the Christianity of Christ’s birth.

Psalm 90:12 is not a birthday verse.

It is not meant for annual celebrations of personalities.

It is a wisdom instruction urging us to number our days correctly — not yearly, but daily.

If any birthday deserves reflection on responsibility, it is Christmas — and we often get it wrong.

Where NACLFON Now Must Lead

The December 2025 NACLFON National Summit is a historical moment to bring Christmas theology back to national relevance.

What NACLFON Must Do Now

Produce responsible, faith-based analysis for the nation.

Occupy media and public spaces with constructive Christian perspectives.

Reveal how Christmas speaks directly to Nigeria’s political, cultural, and economic realities.

Model the incarnation by stepping into society, not retreating from it.

“If God stepped into human history, why should Christians step out of national responsibility?”

Jesus became flesh to redeem humanity — but redemption must have earthly consequences. Christianity is not an escape from society; it is an empowerment to transform society.

Christmas demands incarnation.

Not withdrawal.

Not fear.

Not silence.

But engagement, influence, and savour.

Because salt belongs in the soup.

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It can get dirty in December, By Rarzack Olaegbe

frontpageng — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:49:42 +0000

Christmas is here. How are you approaching the festive season? The holidays – the most anticipated shopping seasons – will arrive with fun and fury. It can get dirty in December. No matter how the seasons turn, are you ready? The retailers are waiting. The temperatures are rising. Prices are surging. Are you ready? Reports indicate that holiday shopping in 2025 is looking a little different from years before. What will happen?

On the one hand

A recent PwC’s 2025 Holiday Outlook survey predicted the first decline in holiday spending since 2020, as consumers expect their seasonal spending to average a 5% decline from 2024.

On the other hand

The same survey expected an 8.4% cutback in spending over the next six months. It cited rising prices. New tariffs. Higher cost of living. For this reason, shoppers would expect discounts this season.

In the long term

In terms of value, different payment options will add seasoning to the season. For example, alternative payment methods have become popular among shoppers. Many Nigerians are spending via digital payment methods already. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services are in. Digital wallets are thriving. Nigerians are sophisticated. As such, they have embraced alternative payment modes.

They will make payment from any device, anywhere and with multiple payment systems. Retailers – online shopping malls and physical markets [do not forget the mom-and-pop shops] – are willing and ready to meet customers’ expectations. That is one of the ways to win the loyalty of the shoppers. The other day, I was at a nondescript shop, and the owner had the ubiquitous PoS machine. You would not expect such a shop owner to own such a machine.

Well, in the midst of innovation and many payment options, a challenge lingers. Security of online shoppers and network availability are top priorities. Retailers may provide customers with the convenience of multiple payment options. Retailers may not provide online security and network assurance. This is a challenge to online and physical shoppers. If the poor network arises at the point of making a funds transfer in a physical shop, you would be stuck. While you are out shopping during this festive season, have a backup plan.

I have witnessed some smart physical sales outlets with Wi-Fi. These outlets allow bulk buyers to use the facility at the point of funds transfer [if the buyers experience a network hiccup]. This is a creative way. Whatever you do, have a backup. It can be dirty in December.

In the short term

The purchasing power of shoppers may soar in December, reports said consumers would exercise caution in 2026.

*Olaegbe (psalmsonolaegbe@gmail.com)

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Christmas vacation: Federal High Court announces commencement date

Agency Report — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 07:29:23 +0000

The Federal High Court, FHC, will, on December 19, commence its Christmas vacation.

The FHC ‘s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Christopher, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said court sittings would resume in all the judicial divisions on January 7, 2026.

In a statement titled, “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roaster for Vacation Judges,” she said that was in accordance with a circular duly signed by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho.

It reads: “The Federal High Court hereby issues notice of its 2025 Christmas Vacation as well as the approved Roster of Vacation Judges.

“The court will commence its Christmas Vacation for the year 2025 on Dec. 19.

“This vacation schedule is issued pursuant to Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).

“Court sittings shall resume in all Judicial Divisions on Jan. 7, 2026.

“During the vacation, the core judicial divisions; Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt will remain operational and accessible to the litigating public.”

According to her, only matters pertaining to the enforcement of fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels, and issues of urgent national importance shall be entertained by the vacation judges.

Christopher said for Abuja division, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman would be vacation judges; and for Lagos division, Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu would be presiding.

She said at Port Harcourt division, Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A.T. Mohammed would be sitting and at Enugu judicial division, Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo would be the vacation judge.

“The Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), extends his warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges,” she concluded.

Source: NAN

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Detty December: Expanding seasonal festivities for economic growth

frontpageng — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:22:57 +0000

By DEJI NEHAN

Nigeria’s “Detty December” has become a cultural phenomenon, a month-long music, fashion, and celebration explosion that draws domestic and diaspora crowds. The economic impact is undeniable: hotels overflow, events sell out, and temporary jobs flourish. However, this concentrated burst of activity raises a critical question: Should Nigeria’s festive economy be confined to a single month? This article explores the potential of expanding seasonal festivities beyond December, leveraging the diaspora’s influence and creating a sustainable, year-round economic driver.

A Homecoming Like No Other

Jide always marked his calendar for December. As a Nigerian living in Canada, “Detty December” wasn’t just a holiday; it was a grand homecoming. Every year, he joined thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora returning home for an electrifying season of concerts, weddings, beach parties, and endless nightlife. Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities came alive, buzzing with an economic frenzy that injected billions into the local economy.

But this year, as he stood in a long queue at Murtala Muhammed Airport, something felt off. Why must all the excitement and economic activity be crammed into just one month? Why wasn’t Nigeria maximising its potential beyond December?

Back home in Lagos, his cousin Amaka, an event planner, shared her thoughts. She made more money in December than in any other month, but the dry spells throughout the year were brutal. Local businesses, artisans, caterers, and transportation services thrived in December but struggled to stay afloat once the holiday season ended.

Jide saw an opportunity. What if Nigeria extended the “Detty December” phenomenon across different seasons? Other countries had structured year-round tourism why couldn’t Nigeria? A well-planned festive economy could provide consistent income for businesses, create more investment opportunities for the diaspora, and ensure Nigeria remained an attractive destination beyond just Christmas.

Detty December: A Booming But Limited Economy

There’s no doubt that Detty December has had a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy:

Hospitality and Tourism – Hotels are fully booked, and Airbnb hosts make massive profits.

Entertainment and Nightlife – Concerts, clubs, and festivals generate billions of naira in ticket sales.

Retail and Food Services – Restaurants, street vendors, and supermarkets experience record sales.

Transportation – Airlines, car rental services, and local transport operators see increased demand.

Employment Surge – Many businesses hire temporary staff, creating short-term job opportunities.

While this economic boost is invaluable, the problem is clear: Nigeria’s reliance on just one month of economic activity is unsustainable. If this level of engagement can happen in December, why not replicate it in other months?

Should It Be Just Detty December? Rethinking Seasonal Festivities

While “Detty December” is a success, its concentration poses challenges. Over-reliance on a single month can lead to infrastructural strain and uneven economic distribution. Nigeria has a rich tapestry of cultural and religious celebrations offering untapped potential.

Detty Easter: The Easter season, the second-largest religious holiday, presents a significant opportunity to replicate the success of “Detty December.”

Summer Events: In July and August, there is a surge in visits from students and diaspora families. Targeted events and festivals during this period can capitalise on this influx.

Public Holidays and Regional Festivals: Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage offers a wealth of regional festivals that can be transformed into national attractions.

Expanding seasonal festivities offers several benefits: it reduces over-dependence on December, spreads economic activity throughout the year, and creates more avenues for diaspora engagement.

Expanding the Festive Economy Beyond December

Instead of waiting all year for December, Nigeria can strategically spread its festive economy by creating new seasonal events:

Detty Easter – Easter is the second-largest festive season in Nigeria, with massive travel and spending. A structured Easter festival with concerts, cultural celebrations, and business expos can draw local and diaspora participation.

Summer Festivities (July–August) – Many diaspora families visit Nigeria during the summer. Why not create a tourism-driven festival with concerts, business summits, and heritage tours?

Regional Festivals as National Attractions – From the Calabar Carnival to the Osun Osogbo Festival, these local events can be marketed internationally to attract global tourists.

Diaspora Returnee Investment Summits – Events tailored to engage the diaspora in real estate, fintech, and agribusiness can make seasonal homecomings not just about fun but also about economic impact. By spreading festivities across multiple seasons, Nigeria can reduce overdependence on December and create a more balanced economic cycle.

With strategic planning, diaspora engagement, and government support, seasonal celebrations could become a powerful tool for economic diversification, cultural export, and national branding. Nigeria could be a destination for more than just December and a tourism, business, and investment hub all year.

The Role of the Diaspora in Expanding Seasonal Economies

The Nigerian diaspora plays a crucial role in fuelling Detty December, and their engagement can be extended beyond just one month. With structured opportunities, they can:

Invest in Local Businesses – Diaspora-owned ventures can thrive in hospitality, event planning, and tourism services throughout the year.

Support Local Entrepreneurs – By partnering with vendors, artists, and SMEs, diaspora returnees can create long-term business relationships.

Promote Nigerian Culture Globally – By organising heritage tours and cultural exchange programs, the diaspora can bring international exposure to Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Imagine if instead of just “coming home for December,” there were dedicated programs that encouraged returnees to engage with Nigeria multiple times a year. Structured seasonal engagement can make the diaspora a stronger economic force.

Cultural Festivals: Unlocking Year-Round Tourism Potential

Eyo Festival

A historic Lagos masquerade parade that can be revived as an annual cultural tourism attraction, blending tradition with modern entertainment.

Calabar Festival and Obudu Crossover

A fusion of Africa’s biggest street carnival with adventure tourism at Obudu Mountain Resort, extending Nigeria’s festive tourism beyond December.

Osun Osogbo Festival

A UNESCO-recognized Yoruba heritage festival that can attract global tourists and diasporans seeking cultural and spiritual reconnection.

Benin Cultural Experience

A showcase of Benin’s ancient art, royal heritage, and traditions, positioned as a global cultural hub with strong diaspora ties.

Northern Nigeria’s Durbar Festival

A grand equestrian display of culture during Eid celebrations, with potential for expansion into a major heritage and religious tourism attraction.

Egba Heritage and Olumo Rock Festival

A blend of historical storytelling, adventure tourism, and cultural exhibitions, making Abeokuta a key destination for heritage tourism.

A Holistic Approach to Expanding Nigeria’s Tourism Calendar

By strategically developing these festivals, Nigeria can unlock a diversified tourism economy that goes beyond Detty December. With proper government backing, private sector investment, and diaspora engagement, these cultural celebrations can become significant drivers of economic growth, heritage preservation, and international recognition.

Building a Sustainable Festive Economy

To truly harness the power of seasonal festivities, Nigeria must put in place a long-term strategy that includes:

Government-backed seasonal Tourism Strategies – Policies that encourage investment in event spaces, security, and infrastructure for large-scale gatherings.

Incentives for Diaspora-Led Businesses – Tax breaks and grants for diaspora entrepreneurs looking to invest in seasonal industries.

Promoting Nigeria’s Cultural Calendar Globally – Embassies, travel agencies, and influencers can help position Nigeria as a year-round cultural hotspot.

Infrastructure Development – Expanding airports, improving transportation networks, and ensuring reliable power supply to support the influx of visitors beyond December.

From One Month to a Year-Round Opportunity

Jide knew that Nigeria’s potential was limitless. He and Amaka decided to take action. She would plan a structured Easter festival, and Jide would rally his diaspora network to invest in the idea. If Detty December could generate billions in just one month, imagine what a year-round festive economy could achieve.

The time had come to move beyond Detty December. With strategic planning, diaspora engagement, and government support, seasonal celebrations could become a powerful tool for economic diversification, cultural export, and national branding. Nigeria could be a destination for more than just December and a tourism, business, and investment hub all year. Nigeria’s holiday economy can change from a concentrated December phenomenon to a year-round engine of economic expansion. Nigeria might open up enormous economic prospects by deliberately extending seasonal celebrations, interacting with the diaspora, and fostering the creative sector. This strategy will boost cultural exports and national branding while diversifying the economy. Nigeria may increase its economic growth and turn every season into a cause for celebration by putting the right plans into place.

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2024 Christmas: Tinubu’s message to Nigerians

Ezekiel Johnson — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:32:44 +0000

Dear Fellow Nigerians,

On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures.

Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.

Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.

As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.

Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.

We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.

Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.

Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.

For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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FG declares public holidays for Christmas, New Year

Agency Report — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:20:53 +0000

The federal government has declared Wednesday, Thursday and January 1, 2025 as public holidays.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Monday in Abuja.

According to Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that the public holidays were to enable citizens to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year respectively.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and to strengthen bonds across families and communities.

He assured citizens of the federal government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

He further expressed confidence in the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration for a better and prosperous economy in 2025.

The minister, on behalf of the federal government, sent warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

Source: NAN

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